Ireland fly-half fires Leinster to Heinken Cup title

Ireland fly-half Jonathon Sexton was the tormentor in chief as Leinster produced an outrageous comeback to down Northampton 33-22 and claim their second Heineken Cup crown in three years.

Sexton helped himself to 28 points - including two tries - as the Irish province turned a 22-6 half-time deficit into a stunning victory.

Unfancied Saints had looked all set for an against-the-odds win of their own at the midway point thanks to scores from Phil Dowson, Ben Foden and Dylan Hartley, and seven points from the boot of Stephen Myler.

But they had little answer for Leinster - and man-of-the-match Sexton - after the break as they lit up the Millennium Stadium with 27 points in 26 minutes to turn the tie on its head.

Sexton has come in for some criticism for his suspect kicking during previous RBS 6 Nations campaigns but the 25-year-old was the undisputed star of the show in Cardiff.

The No. 10 scored twice in his side's unstoppable purple patch, Nathan Hines added another, and kicked three conversions and four penalties.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.